South Yorkshire mum-of-two sent to jail for growing cannabis in loft

A woman wept in the dock at Sheffield Crown Court as she was jailed for growing cannabis in the attic of her council house.

Mum-of-two Hayley Crossland, aged 29, was sent to prison for eight months after Sheffield Crown Court heard she was caught with drugs which had a street value of £16,500.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hollis said police raided her home on Southfield Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, on February 14.

They found a room within a room in the loft containing cropped cannabis and six plant pots.

Crossland, who is married with two children, was arrested and told police she had a cannabis habit costing around £30 to £40 day.

Mark Brookes, defending, said she suffered from anxiety and depression.

Jailing her, Judge Roger Keen QC said: “I realise if I send you to prison this will have a devastating effect on your children, your husband’s employment and life in general but that won’t be my fault, it will be yours.

“I was hoping I could suspend the prison sentence but I can’t, given your antecedents and the large amount of cannabis produced, some of which you admitted would be sold to friends.”